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Ravi Shankar remembered online and around the world

Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar has died at the age of 92. Shankar introduced western audiences to traditional Indian music in the 1950's and 60's. (Dec. 12)
AP

Elysa Gardner
USA TODAY
5:40 p.m. EST December 12, 2012

Artists and other notables react to musician's death.

Ravi Shankar performs on June 4, 2008, during a concert at London's Barbican Center. Shankar, 92, died on Dec. 12. Called "the godfather of world music" by the Beatles' George Harrison, Shankar helped millions of classical, jazz and rock lovers discover the centuries-old traditions of Indian music.(Photo: Shaun Curry, AFP/Getty Images)

Story Highlights

As news of Ravi Shankar's death at 92 spread, musicians and other public figures expressed sympathy and paid homage to the sitar legend.

Singer/songwriter Norah Jones, Shankar's daughter, issued this statement: "My Dad's music touched millions of people. He will be greatly missed by me and music lovers everywhere." Jones also posted a tribute on her Facebook page.

Other notable fans reached out on social media. The roots reggae band Steel Pulse posted a Facebook message which honored Shankar as "the Indian musician who was (sic) hung out with the Beatles, introduced Indian music to much of the Western world, played at Woodstock, and pioneered the benefit concert with the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971."

On Twitter, Lenny Kravitz observed that Shankar "gave us light through the vibration of his sound," while Julian Lennon wrote, "Rest in Peace Ravi...My condolences to his loved ones." Rob Thomas sent his own R.I.P., adding, "Here's to the long, impressive life of a musical pioneer."

Christina Perri tweeted, "rest in peace sweet ravi shankar. i hope you're making music again with george," a reference to Shankar's Bangladesh collaborator George Harrison, whose account responded with "immense sadness." Nona Hendryx enthused, "Now here's a time to use the words 'GENIUS' and 'BRILLIANCE'!"

"Sad day," noted Slash, also on Twitter, calling Shankar a "spiritual, cultural and music legend." Charlatans singer Tim Burgess saluted "an amazing talent and the maker of a beautiful sound."

Indian actress Sonam Kapoor tweeted, "A legend no more. He put Indian classical music on the map!" Film director/writer/performer Farhan Akhtar was "saddened to hear of the maestro's ... demise" and sent "condolences to his family, his friends and billions of listeners." (The family included Jones and sitarist Anoushka Shankar, both daughters of the icon.)

Dr. Mehmet Oz was also "saddened" to hear of Shankar's passing: "He's had a substantial influence on the music we love. He will be missed."

Actress Rain Phoenix quoted Shankar's observation that "pop changes from week to week, month to month. But great music is like literature." Chef Mario Batali called Shankar "truly one of my heroes," and novelist Christopher Rice wrote, "I hope my father just greeted Ravi Shankar at the great sidewalk cafe with amazing coffee in the sky."

The Recording Academy issued a statement celebrating Shankar as "a true pioneer in introducing Indian music to the West," citing both his wide influence. "We have lost an innovative and exceptional talent and a true ambassador of international music."

Ravi Shankar performs on June 4, 2008, during a concert at London's Barbican Center. Shankar, 92, died on Dec. 12. Called "the godfather of world music" by the Beatles' George Harrison, Shankar helped millions of classical, jazz and rock lovers discover the centuries-old traditions of Indian music. (Photo: Shaun Curry, AFP/Getty Images)

Candles burn in front of a makeshift memorial for legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar on Dec. 12 at the Bengali Tola Inter College, where Shankar studied, in Varanasi, India. Shankar hobnobbed with the Beatles, became a hippie musical icon and spearheaded the first rock benefit concert as he introduced traditional Indian ragas to Western audiences. (Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh, AP)

George Harrison of the Beatles, left, sits with his musical mentor, Ravi Shankar, on Aug. 3, 1967, in Los Angeles. Harrison recorded the Indian-inspired song "Love You To" which drew attention to Shankar and his work. (Photo: AP)